SETTING THE SCENE

The Oklahoma City Thunder take their West Coast momentum to the desert to take on the Phoenix Suns.

Oklahoma City is 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won three straight road games.

The Fighting Bookers are giving up a league worst 112.4 points per game but are only 5-5 in their last 10 games.

The Thunder and the Suns split their series last year, both winning on their home courts. Oklahoma City hasn’t won in Phoenix since Feb. 8, 2016.

Russell Westbrook in four games last year against the Suns averaged 37.0 points, 13.3 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game, including two triple-doubles.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.

Brian Davis and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE SUNS

The Phoenix Suns are 15-26 on the season, 11th in the Western Conference.

In their last 10 games, the Suns are 5-5.

Right now, the Suns have lost two in a row and three of their last four games.

Oklahoma City and Phoenix split the season series last year 2-2, both teams winning all games on their home floors.

Overall, the Thunder are 106-126 against the Phoenix Suns.

When speaking of only in Oklahoma City terms, the Thunder are 21-11.

When the games are played in Phoenix, the Thunder are only 8-7 against the Suns.

The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Phoenix came on Feb. 8, 2013, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 127-96 (31-point margin of victory).

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (22 points) vs. Phoenix occurred during a 118-140 loss on Feb. 20, 2009.

WHAT’S IN THE SUNS NAME?

General manager Jerry Colangelo, only 28 at the time, settled on a name for his expansion franchise using a name-the-team contest in 1968.

Colangelo chose Suns over Scorpions, Rattlers, and Thunderbirds, among the other suggestions included in the 28,000 entries.

One lucky fan won $1,000 and season tickets as part of the contest, which included such obscure entries as White Wing Doves, Sun Lovers, Poobahs, Dudes, and Cactus Giants.

NEW FACES

The Oklahoma City Thunder added a bunch of new faces this year.

Paul George was acquired on June 30 for Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo.

Carmelo Anthony joins the Thunder after Oklahoma City sent Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and a second round pick to the Knickerbockers for Anthony.

Oklahoma City also signed Raymond Felton and Patrick Patterson via free agency.

Terrance Ferguson was drafted in the first round out of Australia.

Oklahoma City also added PJ Dozier, undrafted rookie out of South Carolina to a two-way deal.

INJURY REPORT

Andre Roberson is OUT (left patellar tendonitis).

Alex Abrines (groin) is a game-time decision.

NEXT UP

The Thunder have a home-road back-to-back next week against the Trail Blazers and Timberwolves on Tuesday, Jan. 9 and Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Three Keys to the Game

Third quarter

Win the third quarter. When the Thunder win the third quarter, they’re 12-0. When they lose, they’re 10-17 on the year. So, win the third quarter and you win the game. It’s pretty simple as that. Especially as the quarter has been the thorn in the side of Oklahoma City all season long.

Three point shooting

The Suns, for all of their failures this season, when they make some threes, they can be tough to beat. They’re 9-6 when the Suns make more threes than their opponent. The Thunder are 8-6 when they out-shoot an opponent. It’s from three. The Thunder will have to keep the Suns at bay.

Rebound

The Oklahoma City Thunder have rebounded well lately but they’ll have to do it again tonight. Oklahoma City is 16-6 when they can grab more boards than their opponent.